Monroe Dispatch - No Struggle, No Progress

In the recent Louisiana Special Criminal Justice Session, several bills were passed that will have significant impacts on the state's criminal justice system.

House Bill 4, sponsored by Representative Emerson, now Act 10, addresses post-conviction relief procedures. This law makes all present limitations on repetitive applications and time limits for post-conviction relief jurisdictional, meaning they cannot be waived or excused by the court or district attorney.

House Bill 5, sponsored by Representative Mike Johnson and sent to the governor, designates the crime of illegal use of weapons or d...